27 May My Gums Bleed When I Brush: Should I be Concerned?
There are things to take into consideration if your gums bleed when brushing. Are you exerting too much pressure in a misplaced effort to remove plaque? Are you brushing with a firm toothbrush believing that you are getting your teeth as clean as possible? If you are putting off going to the dentist for financial reasons, there is affordable dentistry available that will be much more reasonable than having to deal with gum disease or lost teeth! [pullquote]Over-scrubbing in the belief that you are doing a better job with your hygiene regimen can actually be irritating to gum tissue, and over time this can damage dental enamel and lead to gum erosion.[/pullquote]
Brushing should always be done with a soft tooth brush using little pressure. Over-scrubbing in the belief that you are doing a better job with your hygiene regimen can actually be irritating to gum tissue, and over time this can damage dental enamel and lead to gum erosion.
If gum tissue bleeds without provocation, a visit to the dentist is needed. You could be experiencing the onset of gingivitis, or the more serious periodontitis. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Discomfort
- Gum tissue pulling away from one or more teeth
- One or more teeth feels loose
- Chronic bad breath
In addition to the proper brushing pressure, many patients can benefit from the use of an electronic toothbrush as most electronic brushes have a built-in timer that will encourage using for the full two minutes each time you brush.
Dental floss is important, but using it properly can make a difference. Raking floss along gum tissue demonstrates improper technique. Floss should be gently massaged along the gums while removing debris from between teeth.
Lifestyle habits can impact dental health:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco is a leading cause of gum disease.
- Biting fingernails or inanimate objects is harmful to teeth.
- Inconsistent or improper daily dental hygiene habits lead to poor dental health.
- Sugary snacks and beverages should be limited; if consumed, brush or rinse as soon as possible to help limit plaque build-up. Plaque on teeth is comprised of bacteria that continue to build up particularly along the gum line leading to dental decay and/or gum disease.
Seeing the dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam will not only remove plaque build-up, but any potential dental problems can be identified and dealt with before they have a chance to escalate.
Be proactive about your dental health for long lasting smiles and better overall health by contacting the office of Dr. Philip Kozlow for a consultation today.